Live Longer Better in North Herts Celebration Day 2025
North Herts Leisure Centre hosts its second Live Longer Better in North Herts Celebration Day, featuring a variety of activity taster sessions and local wellbeing organisations, encouraging everyone to stay active and try something new.
North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth was a hive of activity on Tuesday 4 November 2025, as it hosted its second Live Longer Better in North Herts Celebration Day, an inspiring event that brought together residents, volunteers, and local organisations to celebrate physical and mental wellbeing. Organised in partnership with Active in the Community, the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), Everyone Active, and North Herts Council, the event welcomed 50 older adults aged 55 to 84, all eager to discover new ways to stay active, social, and healthy.
The day aimed to introduce older adults to the wide variety of sports and activity opportunities available locally. Sessions were delivered by a mix of external providers and Everyone Active staff, showcasing the range of programmes offered both within the leisure centre and across the wider community.
The day began with an opening address from Adam Howard of Active in the Community and Tania Woods from HSP. Together, they set the tone for an engaging and informative day, outlining how the sessions would run and highlighting the importance of events like this in helping participants better understand the activities available for older adults across Hertfordshire. Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences, not only of the activities they tried during the event but also the insights they gained from the marketplace with friends, family, and loved ones.
The opening address also touched upon the Live Longer Better initiative and discussed the World Health Organisation's guidelines for physical activity among older adults, emphasising the crucial role exercise plays in maintaining independence and preventing falls. A short quiz followed, giving participants the chance to learn more about the benefits of staying active and its impact on overall wellbeing. The opening address concluded with a seated warm-up that got everyone ready for the day ahead.
Attendees were invited to take part in a variety of engaging activities, from chair-based movement sessions to walking sports such as walking football and walking netball. They also enjoyed racquet games including badminton, pickleball, and table tennis. Short mat bowls sparked some friendly competition, while ZingHub sessions added extra fun with seated cricket and the lively game of Grid Ball, a playful, interactive twist on noughts and crosses. With such a variety of activities, the event offered something for everyone, regardless of ability, experience, or fitness level.
Alongside the activity sessions, a community marketplace gave attendees the chance to meet staff from local organisations offering advice and support on health and wellbeing. Staff from Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire, Memory Support Hertfordshire, Age UK Herts, Carers in Hertfordshire, North Herts Council Wellbeing Team, The Alzheimer's Society, Garden House Hospice, First Garden City Homes, Hertfordshire Health Walks, and Everyone Active shared information, resources, and guidance. Hertfordshire County Council's Better Health Bus also attended, offering free health checks, including blood pressure and BMI measurements, as well as personalised wellbeing advice.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Of those who completed the post-event survey, 97% said the event helped them gain a better understanding of the physical activity opportunities available in Hertfordshire for older adults, while 59% reported that it had changed their perspective on ageing.
Survey responses also highlighted participants' enjoyment of the day, with the range of activities receiving an impressive average rating of 4.75 out of 5. Respondents gave an average score of 4.42 for how likely they were to try the activities again, and 4.61 for how likely they would be to recommend them to a friend.
One attendee reflected:
It was very encouraging to have this event and the effort that was put into it
Another added:
Well organised, instructors very knowledgeable, and all the people helping were very friendly and helpful
The feedback also revealed participants excitement about joining more classes, trying new activities, moving more, and making regular exercise part of their routine. Some even planned to take up a leisure centre membership to maintain their momentum. Two attendees said they plan to join the Older Adult Exercise Class in Hitchin with coach Steve and have since contacted him to confirm their place.
The day brought people together to explore the many ways to stay active, connected, and involved across North Herts.
For more information about future Live Longer Better events, please contact: info@livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk